‘Star Wars Rebels’ Animated Series Eyes Freddie Prinze Jr., David Oyelowo and More for Voice Cast

It's become increasingly difficult to separate truth from rumor in the ongoing revamp of the 'Star Wars' franchise, as every day seems to bring new reports of leading actors or fan-favorite characters slated to join the new film trilogy. If nothing else, however, confirmed animated series 'Star Wars Rebels' has made new strides in shoring up a voice cast, from the likes of Freddie Prinze Jr. and 'The Butler' star David Oyelowo, himself previously rumored for a role in the films.

The Hollywood Reporter broke news of the casting negotiations, adding to the list of Oyelowo and Prinze that Vanessa Marshall, Taylor Gray and Steven Jay Blum have also been contacted for leading roles in the series set to debut in late 2014. Oyelowo (‘Lincoln,’ ‘Interstellar’) had recently been rumored for a filmic 'Star Wars' role, though his potential placement among the 'Star Wars Rebels' cast wouldn't necessarily preclude the possibility, either.

So far, we know that ‘Star Wars Rebels’ will take place “in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape,” while concept art of a new Millenium Falcon-esque starship serving as a central location has made its way online.

Picking up where the now-canceled 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' left off, 'Star Wars Rebels' will feature on the creative side screenwriter and producer Simon Kinberg (‘X-Men: First Class,’ ‘Elysium‘), who’s writing the first episode, as well as 'Clone Wars' supervising director Dave Filoni and ‘Young Justice’ producer Greg Weisman.

What do you think? Are you interested to see what 'Star Wars Rebels' brings to the canon next year before 'Episode 7' debuts in 2015? Who would you like to see populate the cast of 'Star Wars Rebels'? Check out the original announcement below, and hit us with your ideas in the comments!